The Hindu : Scharping dubs dismissal unfair

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 20, 2002

International

International

Scharping dubs dismissal unfair

By Batuk Gathani

BRUSSELS JULY 19. The ignominious exit of the German Defence Minister, Rudolf Scharping, after embarrassing revelations about financial improprieties has had a spillover effect on the Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's prospects in the election scheduled for Sept. 22.

According to the latest opinion polls, the controversial Defence Minister may have cost Mr. Schroeder crucial support, during a turbulent week of political crises. Mr Scarping had to be sacked after he refused to go. Less than an hour after his dismissal was announced by a grim-faced Mr. Schroeder, Mr. Scharping questioned the former's judgement and said: "I told the Chancellor that in my view, an office of state should not be allowed to be damaged on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations made in a magazine.''

Mr. Scharping was also embroiled in a scandal last September over the misuse of Government aircraft, followed by his controversial relationship with his newly-found mistress — prominently published in popular media.

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